The program benefits from the long tradition of Persian and Iranian studies at the University of Arizona's School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies which also offers undergraduate degrees focusing on Persian. The program intends to prepare graduates to work in academic, public, and private positions where extensive and expert knowledge of Iran or other Persian speaking societies such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan is required. In addition to the completion of core courses, superior language competency in Persian is expected. Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies also creates a broad forum for scholarly activities around Persian and Iranian studies on campus and in the wider community. For a brief history of Perisan and Iranian Studies at the University of Arizona, see HERE.